Abu Dhabi is not only an excellent place to live and work, but it also offers world-class education. There are local universities and world-renowned universities within the capital that open their doors to students from all over the Emirates and the world. Student life is as diverse as expats in the capital's workplaces because they mingle with people from all walks of life. International students flock to the UAE yearly to pursue their dreams and eventually settle in the city as well.
By law, higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates are required to be recognized by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), which is part of the Ministry of Education. World-class universities, such as New York University Abu Dhabi and Paris Sorbonne University, also call Abu Dhabi home. Students from all over the world, as well as locals and residents, apply to prestigious universities to enjoy quality education without having to travel outside the United Arab Emirates. Students also often choose to stay in Abu Dhabi to pursue their chosen career paths right after graduation because of the opportunities presented to them in the capital.
Higher education in Abu Dhabi
Two of the best local universities in Abu Dhabi are Khalifa University (ranked 181st in QS Top University Rankings 2023) and United Arab Emirates University (ranked 290th in QS Top University Rankings 2023).
Khalifa University is located in Abu Dhabi and has another campus in Sharjah. It was founded in 2007 following a decree issued by the President of the UAE. Engineering and graduate degree programmes are offered, as well as medical programs, taught in modern facilities such as labs, student centers, and sports facilities.
United Arab Emirates University is the oldest university in the UAE, founded in 1976. Students from all over the Emirates and international students enroll here. It has close ties with the industry, making it easy for students to be absorbed by their companies of choice for internships.
Here are the rest of the universities and colleges in the capital, as well as their accreditation.
Universities in Abu Dhabi
Universities in Abu Dhabi are open to people from all walks of life, regardless of race, sex, religion, or country of origin. People with disabilities are also admitted. The application period is usually throughout the year, in the Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Specific dates for the application period are posted regularly on the websites of these universities.
Below are the basic requirements and offerings from Abu Dhabi's top universities:
Local universities
Khalifa University
Khalifa University offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Three colleges offer undergraduate studies: the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, the College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, and the College of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The College of Engineering and Physical Sciences offers 10 different programs, ranging from a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering to a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences.
The College of Computing and Mathematical Sciences offers three programs: a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science.
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology.
Their postgraduate studies offer 30 different programs and degrees across the same colleges.
For admission to Khalifa University, you will need the following:
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS minimum score of 6.0 or TOEFL iBT minimum score of 79);
- A completed Khalifa University application form;
- An attested copy of your high school certificate (British system students should submit certificates of their O level, AS and A levels);
- A certificate of good conduct;
- Photograph with white background;
- Copy of valid passport.
United Arab Emirates University
Ranked first in the UAE and third in the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates University has nine different colleges, each with its own entry qualifications:
- College of Business & Economics – A minimum score of 800 on EmSAT Mathematics or its equivalent;
- College of Education – No specific qualifications required;
- College of Engineering – A minimum score of 900 on EmSAT Mathematics or its equivalent. Additionally, you will need a minimum score of 800 in EmSAT Physics and Chemistry;
- College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine – A minimum score of 800 on EmSAT Mathematics and Biology;
- College of Humanities & Social Sciences – No specific qualifications required;
- College of Information Technology – A minimum score of 800 on EmSAT Mathematics, or its equivalent, as well as a minimum score of 800 on EmSAT Physics and either Chemistry or Biology, or its equivalent;
- College of Law – A minimum score of 900 on EmSAT Arabic, passing the Arabic for Law course offered at the university, and a minimum score of 600 on EmSAT Mathematics;
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences – A minimum score of 900 on EmSAT Mathematics, or its equivalent, as well as a Minimum score of 900 on EmSAT in either Chemistry, Physics or Biology;
- College of Science – A minimum score of 900 on EmSAT Mathematics, or its equivalent, as well as a minimum score of 800 on EmSAT in either Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
In addition to these requirements, you will also need to provide a completion of high school certificate with a minimum score of 80% (or its equivalent), as well as an English proficiency test from IELTS (minimum score 5.5) TOEFL (minimum score 525) or EmSAT (minimum score 1250).
The university offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs across all of these colleges, although it is most known for its Business & Economic programs.
Abu Dhabi University
Founded in 2003, the Abu Dhabi University is home to students from over 100 nationalities. It offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Its six colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Engineering, College of Health Sciences, College of Law, and Academic Programs for Military Colleges.
Undergraduate students can choose from a wide variety of majors, ranging from Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Fintech and Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Engineering, to BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics and BSc in Molecular and Medical Genetics.
Its 13 postgraduate programs includes Master of Business Administration, Master of Science in Information Technology and Doctor of Business Administration to name a few.
For admission to Abu Dhabi University, you will need the following:
- Completed online application form;
- A copy of your Emirates ID (if you are already residing in the UAE);
- A copy of your passport;
- An original equivalency letter issued by the UAE Ministry of Education;
- A passport photo with a white background;
- A certified copy of your high school transcript and certificate;
- A language proficiency score of 5.0 for IELTS, 1100 for EmSAT, 61 for TOEFL IBT;
- A police clearance certificate issued in the UAE;
- A certificate of good conduct issued by your high school;
- A non-refundable application fee to be paid online.
Branch universities
New York University Abu Dhabi
A portal campus of NYU, New York University Abu Dhabi opened its doors in 2010. It is notorious for its low acceptance rates and prides itself on its highly selective student admissions process. NYUAD offers programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
The university currently offers 26 undergraduate majors across the Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Science, and Social Science fields. These range from computer engineering and economics to philosophy and theatre. It also offers a wide range of minors that students can choose to complete along with their selected major.
For postgraduate students, NYUAD offers Master's programs in Fine Arts in Art and Media and Science in Economics. You may also complete a one-year full-time MBA program at this university, aimed at helping students excel in their future careers in the MENA region. Eleven global Ph.D. programs ranging from civil engineering to psychology are also available.
For admission to the prestigious NYUAD, you will need the following:
- Standardized tests:
- SAT (essay test not required),
- ACT (writing test not required);
- Three SAT Subject Test scores;
- Three AP exam scores;
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma;
- Three IB higher-level exam scores if not an IB Diploma candidate;
- Specific nationally accredited exams that show you completed secondary education;
- Required school forms:
- Common application school report,
- Counsellor recommendation,
- Teacher evaluation;
- Application essays;
- Optional arts portfolio;
- English language testing.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Affiliated with the French Sorbonne University, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a French and English-speaking institute that was established in 2006. It gives students the opportunity to earn undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive education. All of its programs follow academic curricula defined in its Paris campus. Graduates of the university will receive a Parisian Bachelor's degree from either the Sorbonne University in France (for the fields of Humanities and Sciences) or from the Universite Paris Cité (for the fields of Law and Economics).
The university offers 13 undergraduate programs, including a Bachelor of History, Bachelor of Law, and Bachelor of French Literature. Its postgraduate programs include 15 Master's programs, which are covered in 18 to 24 months (3–4 semesters). Postgraduate programs are taught in the evenings and during weekends. This setup is aimed at giving opportunities to those who are currently working and would like to pursue continuing education degrees.
If you plan to take a program that is taught in French but is not fluent in the language, you must apply for the Foundation Year in Intensive French. If you will be studying one of their English programs, you must submit your English language proficiency scores. Those interested in obtaining a Bachelors in Physics and Mathematics must apply for the Foundation Year in Sciences, and those looking to obtain the Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Sciences must apply for the Foundation Year in Records Management and Archival Sciences.
Its Executive Education programs are aimed at providing working professionals with the skills currently in demand in the UAE. These programs include:
- SELFEE-Sorbonne French Language Courses;
- Professional certificate in Archives and Records Management (in cooperation with the National Archives);
- International Programme in Sports Management;
- Certificate in UAE Law;
- Certificate in Digital Humanities.
For admissions into Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, you will need the following:
- Transcripts from your final 2 years in high school;
- A copy of your high school diploma;
- A personal statement in French or English (depending on the language you plan to study in);
- A copy of your passport;
- A passport size photo;
- EmSAT may be required from specific applicants.
INSEAD Abu Dhabi
Deemed as one of the world's best business schools, INSEAD Abu Dhabi's campus was established in 2007. It is renowned for its continuing education programs, and admissions to this university are sought after by many prospective students worldwide.
From the Abu Dhabi campus, you can enroll in the university's well-known Global Executive MBA. The program is designed specifically for candidates with work experience who want to further develop their leadership skills without sacrificing their careers. To apply to the program, you will first have to obtain a strong GMAT or GRE score.
The Global Executive MBA course curriculum consists of 12 core courses that cover the fundamentals of business, four elective courses that allow students to dig deeper into their personal areas of interest, three key management challenges to prepare students for real-life situations, and a final project.
The program duration spans from 14 to 17 months, and you will need to have the following prerequisites for admission into INSEAD Abu Dhabi:
- A strong GMAT score;
- Information about yourself and your history, as well as your detailed resume;
- An essay detailing your current job description as well as your career aspirations;
- Two professional letters of recommendation, one of which needs to come from your current place of work;
- Your official university transcripts;
- An English language certification (PTE/TOEFL/IELTS);
- A professional business photograph;
- A non-refundable application fee that needs to be paid online.
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